Capt. Kevin Knight named Mentor police chief

Capt. Kevin Knight, who began his career with the Mentor Police Department in 1981, will officially take over for retiring Chief Dan Llewellyn on Jan. 5, City Manager Ken Filipiak announced Tuesday.

"I am confident that Knight's vision for the police department, his leadership style and his ethical standards coincide with the vision and standards of this department, the administration, City Council and our residents," Filipiak said in a news release.

Knight is a Mentor resident and the department's most senior captain, having served in that capacity since 2008.

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The incoming chief is a graduate of St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland. He received his bachelor's degree from Rockhurst College in Kansas City and an FBI National Academy graduate.

In his 31-plus years with Mentor Police, Knight has held leadership positions in operations, support services, administration and the detective bureau. He's also served as acting police chief, when required.

He was named the Knights of Columbus Council 4801 Blue Coat of the Year for 2006.

Llewellyn, who's been the city's police chief for the past 10 years, said the department will be in capable hands when Knight takes over the reins.

"I support Kevin Knight 100 percent," Llewellyn said. "I've worked with the man for the past 25 years. He's committed to his family and to his community and I know he'll do well."

Knight and his wife, Susan, have three children.

The chief oversees a department of about 120 employees, including 80 sworn officers.